Trusting God

In the news recently was more news from the Spears family. This time, instead of Britney doing something outrageous, her 16 year old sister announced in OK! Magazine that she was 12 weeks pregnant.

Can you imagine for a minute how your world would change if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant at your age?


Read Luke 1:26-38

1. What did the angel say to Mary? 

2. Despite all that potential for problems (considering that back then unwed, pregnant teenagers could've been stoned to death for this act), how did Mary respond? 

3. What possesses a girl that young to go along with a plan like this?

I believe it is because she held onto the promises of God. She probably didn’t know what would become of her once she accepted this challenge to be the mother of God’s child, but she knew enough about God to accept the challenge.

4. And how did this story end – down the road?

Luke 2:6-7 – “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Application:

Mary was a young teen when she became pregnant with Jesus.  Some say she was as young as 13!  As I wrote earlier, being an unwed pregnant teen was more than just frowned upon back then.  Some people could actually have been stoned to death for this act.  But, she wasn’t stoned to death and Jesus was born to be the savior of the world. 

She put her trust in God’s plan and because of that, we all benefit by having an opportunity to know and follow Christ.

So, what can we learn from Mary?
1. She trusted God plan even when she may not have fully known the outcome.
2. She followed through
3. Because of her actions, we all benefited

This is a simple concept – Trust God, follow through and benefit. But, the application can be and should go much deeper than that.

See, there is a difference between saying you are trusting God and actually trusting God like Mary did. She put her life on the line and spared nothing to trust God and follow through on his plan.

The question is, are you able to trust God like Mary did? Are you willing to put your life as you know it in God’s hands and let him guide you? I’m not saying that now you have to become a monk or nun in order to really trust God.

But, we live in a control freak, self-centered world today where we don’t want other people determining our way for us. But, what God is saying is that I have a plan for you – trust Me [God] and follow.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight”

So, I want to take a minute and brainstorm how you can trust God this week.  How do you actually trust him?

Will God ever lead you down the road that doesn’t lead to success? No. Remember, because Mary trusted and followed through on God’s plan, the whole world, not just her and Joseph benefited. The key for us to actually place our 100% trust in following God’s plan.

PRAY

Spreading the Great News!

When something good happens to you, what do you do? Do you keep it quiet or share it with others? What is something good that has happened to you lately?




Read Luke 2:8-20

Who did the Angels appear to?



What message did the Angels bring?



Why is this great news?



When the Angels left, what did the Shepherds do?



What did they do after they saw Jesus?



Application:

The Shepherds were some of the lowest of the low in the class structure back then. They were so low that even their testimony wasn't admissible in court. But God choose to reveal this great news first to the Shepherds! What a great privilege and responsibility.

So, what can we learn from these poor, outcasted Shepherds? They did 3 things that we should all seek to do.
1. They had an experience with God (when the Angels came).
2. They verified the truth (went to go see Jesus) and then
3. They shared their experience with others (told everyone that Jesus was born).

They experienced God, verified the truth and shared it with others.

Are you experiencing God? When was the last time you prayed for God to work in a situation and trust that He will help? When was the last time you gave God control?  In order to experience Him, we have to give Him the opportunity.

Are you verifying the truth? When was the last time you heard something about God and then opened up your Bible and verify it was true and to see other things that God has and can do? In order to verify the truth, we have to go and seek it out.

Are you sharing your experiences (good news) about God with others?  It seems that often times, when God does a good work in our lives such as answering a prayer, that we tend to forget to tell people that God did this.  We share our good news, but fail to mention that God had a hand in it.  It's like we are afraid to tell people that we believe in God.

Romans 1:16 says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile".

Let's not be ashamed of the gospel, but let's open our lives us to experience him.  Once we have that experience, verify it is His work, then share it with others.  God will bless you and others.

Pray

ReUnited!

1. Have you ever had a falling out with a friend? What ever happened? Did you remain separated or was there ever a time when you made amends and reunited? Describe the situation.


Read Genesis 27:19-41

2. What did Jacob do?



3. Why did Jacob want the blessing that his father was to give Esau?



4. How did Esau respond to not receiving the blessing?



5. How would you have responded if Jacob did this to you?


Read Genesis 33:1-12

6. How did Esau greet Jacob?




Application:

The firstborn in every household always gets the blessing from the father. Jacob, with the help of his mother, stole that blessing. Fearing for his life, Jacob fled and began a new life on his own.

Years later, Jacob and Esau met up again. Not knowing how things would turn out, he turned to God for help (Genesis 32:9-12) and prepared a gift for Esau. When the met face to face, Esau probably shocked the world by running up to Jacob and embraced him. What a difference in Esau's reaction from the last time Jacob and he were together.

Here's the point - no matter what happens in a friendship, we can come back and attempt to be reunited, even in the midst of terrible situations. In fact, Christ showed us the importance on being reunited and reconciled by his death on the cross. Remember, it does take 2 to be reunited, but at least you can make an attempt to restore the friendship.

This week, examine your friendships, current ones and past ones. Is there a relationship that is on the brink of full scale war between you two? Or is there a past relationship that has ended and no reconciliation has occurred? I want to challenge you to: 1. Pray for God to give you wisdom in addressing it and 2. seek to reunite with that friend and try to make amends.

As James 1:5-6 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

Seek God's wisdom and attempt to restore a broken relationship and see how God guides you through it.

Pray.

If Trinity can do it...

1. Did you see that Trinity College game a few weeks ago? It was the one in which they had 2 seconds left, down by 4 and needing a TD to win the game. Oh yeah, they had to go 65 yards to do it. Did you see that one? If not, go to YouTube and look at it. It was insane how they used 15 laterals to win the game! Unless you witnessed it with your own eyes, you wouldn't believe it. Have you seen anything in your life that unless you witnessed it with your own eyes, you wouldn't believe it?


Read Luke 9:12-17

2. Why do you think the “twelve” wanted to send away the crowd?



3. What was Jesus’ response?



4. What was the problem with that?



5. So, what did Jesus do?



6. What was the end result?



Application:

Can you imagine being apart of that crowd? You are probably pretty pumped because you got to see and hear from Jesus - a major draw. But now you're hungry and have no place to go. So, what happens, Jesus get 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish from the crowd and goes on to feed over 5,000 men (not to mention women and children)! How insane is that?

Jesus had every right to tell the crowd to disperse and he'll meet up with them again tomorrow, but he didn't do that. He knew that they had a need, a physical need - not a spiritual one. So, instead of having them all to fend for themselves, he chose to feed them with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. I don't know what is as amazing, the fact that he fed them with that little or that they had 12 basketfuls of leftovers!?!

So, here's the point - Jesus cares not just about your spiritual health, but your physical health as well. He wants to meet your needs and provide for you. Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well”. The question is, do you want what Christ is offering?

Regardless of where you are at in life, Christ wants us to cast all our cares, our worries, our concerns on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

When we cast our cares on him and when we seek him, he promises to care for us and provide. Will you let him? This week, cast all your cares on him and seek him. Then, see and experience where he will lead you.

Pray.

Who's got the Power?

1. When you think of angels, what descriptions come to mind? How powerful do you think they are? Where do they get their power? Do they have more power than Christ?



Read Hebrews 1

2. How is Christ described?



3. Who has authority over angels?



4. What are the roles of angels? Who are they to minister to?



Application:

In movies, TV shows and books, Angels are often given a great amount of power. But, that power comes from God alone. They can not do anything without God's direction.

This chapter was talking about how some people were putting things such as Angels in front of importance over Christ. The writer of Hebrews (unknown writer - some think Paul wrote it), made it clear that Christ is of great importance and has power over all these things.

Is there something or someone you put in greater importance over Christ? If we look honestly, I think it is natural - we all do that. Whether it is our career, money, boyfriend/girlfriend, or Pastor, it is easy to look focus on who Christ is. He is the son of God and through him all things are possible (Phil. 4:13).

This week, refocus on who Christ is by reading some of the gospels. My suggestion would be Luke 9:10-27. Also, refocus on all that He has done in your life and seek Him this week with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Turn to him and see where he leads.

Pray.

All you need is love?

1. Think of a person who has truly loved you. What were the marks of that persons way of relating to you?



Read 1 Corinthians 13

2. What is so tragic about using our gifts without love (v. 1-3)?



3. How would you define each of love’s qualities (v. 4-7)?



4. Why is love greater than faith or hope?



5. What aspect of love do you need to develop the most?



6. How have you seen love make an impact in our life or the life of others?



Application:

Can it be that simple? Can love really be that important or powerful? To answer that question, all you have to do is look at God's love for us. God's love overcame sin! It broke down that sin barrier that prohibited us from having a relationship with God.

Therefore, since Paul writes about it as extremely important and God demonstrates it through Christ, we know that all we need is love. But, please know, there is a difference between Godly love and human love. Godly love is found in verses 4-7. Human love is often portrayed as lust, excitement and passion found on TV or in the movies.

What kind of love are you demonstrating and are you allowing Godly love to impact you and those around you? This week, take at least 1 of the love qualities mentioned in verse 4-7 and integrate it into your life and see how God uses that in your life and those around you.

PRAY.

How are we acting?

Take a minute and review how you acted this past day. How did you treat your family members? How did you treat your friends or people at school?



What did you communicate to them (not just words, but with your actions) by the way you acted?



Read Philippians 1:27a – “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

What does it mean to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?



To help, list all that Christ stands for. How did Christ conduct himself? What did he do?



APPLICATION:

When Paul is writing this letter to the Philippians, he is in Jail. In the situation he was in, he conducted himself in a manner worthy of Christ. As stated in Philippians 1:12-14, he was not only conducting himself in a manner worthy of Christ, but he was doing this to further the kingdom as well! So, instead of acting poorly or complaining, he was winning over the inmates and the guards for Christ by the way he acted?

But, what is a “manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”? What does that mean? It can be many things, but two of Christ’s primary goals were to love and forgive.

Are we loving people with words and deeds? Are we forgiving people? Remember, anyone can say they love and forgive people, but do your thoughts and actions back up that love and forgiveness. To bring back an old and overused phrase, do you "WWJD"?

This is the encouragement for us in that whatever happens to us, conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Not when good things happens or when life is going well. It is in all situations. We are representatives of Christ and by treating other people the way Christ would, we may win them over to Him as well.

PRAY

Furthering the Kingdom in all Situations

What was one of the worst thing that happened to you? How did you respond?


Read Philippians 1:12-14 – “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

What was his situation? Where was he?



What was his attitude about his situation?



How did this inspire others?



What often prevents us from furthering the Kingdom? What holds you back?



How does Paul's example inspire you to further the KIngdom?



Application:

Paul is in jail, probably for a crime he didn’t commit – false accusations or something like that. He was probably fed little and beaten. Despite this, he is making the most out of his situation.

He took advantage of it and was using it to further the kingdom – v. 12 – “…what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ”

He didn’t let his circumstances dictate what he was or wasn’t going to do.

So, he shared the gospel with others. But he was also furthering the kingdom by inspiring others to share about Christ. v. 14 – “…most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

He was inspiring other Christians elsewhere with his boldness. If Paul was furthering the Kingdom in a hostile environment such as Prison, then why couldn't they do it?

Why can’t we do it? What is preventing us from furthering the kingdom?

Don't let your situation or circumstances dictate what you will or will not share about Christ. Set 1 goal right now of how you can further the kingdom in all situations. Remember, actions speak louder than words. We don't have to preach or get on our soapbox to further the kingdom. Our actions are even more powerful of the life change found in Christ only.

Pray

Where's your heart?

When you wake up in the morning, what are you most excited to do? What motivates you throughout the day?


Read Matthew 6:33; Luke 9:23, 57-62

What are these verses saying?



What do these verses say about priorites?



Where should Christ be in those priorities?



Application:

You tend to put the most energy to things that motivate you and spur you on. Where does Christ fall in your motivation? Are you motivated to know Him better so you can live life better? Or do other things come first and take the priority?

Are you passionate about Christ? Do you desire to grow in Him? Do you yearn to know Him better?

Where you find out where your heart is, that is where you will be spending your time and energy.

When you commit the day and the week to Christ, seek Him throughout that time, you will discover how He makes a direct impact on your day and week. When we seek Him first and foremost, then stay committed to Him throughout, He will guide you. BUT, you have to seek Him. It is not checking Him off the list after your pray once or you read the Bible. You have to keep Him first throughout the day.

What can you do this week to put Christ first again?

1 suggestion is to wake up and the first thing you do when you wake up is to spend time with Christ by reading the Bible, praying, committing the day to Him. Another suggestion is to get the Topical Memory System from the Navigators and carry some verses to mediate and memorize throughout the day.

This way, we can keep Christ consistently in our lives throughout the day and He can and will make an impact in our lives.

Pray

Why are they Here?

Did someone you know ever show up at Church or a Christian Meeting (ie, FCA, Young Life, Campus Crusade) and you thought, why are they here? _________ (fill in the blank) isn't a Christian, he/she shouldn't be here. Why did you think that?



Read Acts 9:1-19

Who is Saul? What did he do?



Why was he persecuting Christians?



How did Ananias respond to the report of Saul’s conversion?



What if Saul lived today and shared his testimony at your school or at your Church? What would you think? Would you want to be associated with him?



Application:

Are people like Saul, people we want in Church or say they are a Christian? Why or why not?



What about someone like:
• Brittney Spears
• Paris Hilton
• Bill Clinton

Should the Church be made up of people like these? Why?

Absolutely! Not everyone who commits their life to Christ is going to look the same. But, everyone needs Christ. Remember the woman at the well, the demon possessed man, the woman caught in adultery? Christ extended his hand to them and invited them into a relationship with him.

As a Church (a body of believers), our goal should be to invite everyone to church and help lead them into a relationship with Christ so that they can impact and lead others to Christ.

Remember, it doesn't matter who you were or where you came from. Christ loves us all - every single one of us and we have to do our part in helping everyone come into a relationship with him.

Today, think of someone you know that you should extend your hand out to and invite them to Church or a Young Life Club. Pray that God would give you an opportunity to invite them to this activity and allow God to work. Remember, God is the one who changes hearts and impacts people. We are just merely a tool, ready to be used.

Once the opportunity presents itself, act on it.

Pray

The Energy Bar

When you have a long day, what is the 1st thing you look forward to doing when you get home?

Read Mark 1:16-20
1. What did Jesus mean when he told them that He would help them become fishers of men?
2. What was the response of Simon, Andrew, James and John?

Read Mark 1:21-34
3. What was the difference between the way Jesus taught and the teachers of law taught?
4. How did the people respond to Jesus’ healings?

Mark 1:35-39
5. According to these verses, why did Jesus come to earth?
6. Why did Jesus get up early in the morning to pray?


Application

In these sections, Jesus called fishermen to become fishers of men, he healed the demon-possessed, the sick, gave an amazing teaching about God and spent time with God early in the morning.

After such long and challenging days, the last thing you would expect a person to do would be to wake up early in the morning, before sunrise, pray and spend time with God. However that is exactly what Jesus did. He knew that if he was going to have many more days like these, which he would, he would have to get charged back up and reenergized by God.

Days like those are draining and if you have enough of them, you may want to just quit what you are doing and retreat. Christ modeled to us that we need to go to God for our strength. We need to turn to him always and all the more when we encounter days like that.

How often do you spend time with God? When you do, is it meaningful and purposeful, or is it just a thing that you check off for the day and said that you did it?

Let’s spend some meaningful time with God this summer. Wake up a few minutes early in the morning to pray, listen and spend time reading the Bible and see where God takes you. If Christ, the savior of the world needed to, I think we do too.

Pray

Having a Bad Day?

1. Have you ever had one of those weeks were everything seems to go wrong? – you bomb a few tests, you get into a fight with your best friend, you lose in a competition and your best friend’s dog dies – all happens on the same day or week.


2. How do you respond when you face tough times or trials?


Read Genesis 37:2-8; 18-28

3. What happened here?


4. Why did his brothers hate him?


5. What did they do to Joseph?


Read Genesis 39:6-18

6. He was a handsome man, doing great at his job and what happens?


7. However, he denies her. Why did he deny her?


8. What happens because of this?


Application:

So, what do these stories illustrate? These stories show that time and time again, Joseph was falling on hard times. His brothers hated him…hated him enough to sell him into slavery. His master’s wife hit on him and when he refused accused him of trying to sleep with her…that lead him to jail.

Then, after all this, he got a chance to get out of jail by interpreting a dream for the King – thinking that it was a way out of jail. However, as his luck would have it, even when he did something else good and his interpretation was right, he was forgotten in jail for many more years. He had definitely hit some hard times.

However, despite all the bad things that happened to him, 2 things were constant:

1. God was still with him
• Read Genesis 39:2-4
• Read Genesis 39:21-23

Isn’t it interesting to see how in everything that happened to him, God was there walking with him.

God was helping him, guiding him all throughout. God led him to Potiphar’s house where he thrived and succeeded. Then, in jail, God was with him and helped him succeed there, too. So, God was there with him throughout.

Life may not have been treating him well, but God was there beside him and helping him through it. And Joseph thrived because of God’s help.

2. Joseph still remained faithful to God and trusted Him.

He could have pouted and claimed that he was the victim and whined the rest of his life, but he didn’t. He could have went his own way and said to God, "You know God, this just isn’t working. I’m going to try my own plan now.” He didn’t – he continued to trust God’s plan and remained faithful.

Genesis 39:8-9;11-12 - He said, how could he sin against God? So, he fled naked.

He knew that no matter how tough life would get, he wasn’t going to change his mind. He wasn’t going to waver or lose faith in God and God’s plan for his life. Why? Because, he trusted God.

And where did God’s plan and Joseph’s faithfulness to God get him? 2nd in command of all Egypt! Listen, I haven’t even finished the story of Joseph! So many other things happened to Joseph…so many great things! I would encourage you to read the rest of the book of Genesis because there are so many great stories, just like this in it.

Stay committed to God and his plan. Joseph did and we can too. God is always there desiring to lead you through the toughest of tough times.

PRAY

Trust and Obedience

Was there ever a time when someone asked you to do something that seemed impossible? What was it and did you accomplish the task?



Read Genesis 6:5-14

What was the state of the world at this time?



How as Noah described?



What was God's remedy for this situation?



How did Noah respond? (v. 22)



Application:

For 40 days and nights, it rained and everything on the earth was destroyed. Everything leading up to this point and everything after, Noah was obedient to God and trusted what he said. He trusted God because he walked with God (v. 10). When you walk with someone, you build a friendship and trust of each other because you spend so much time together.

How is your time with Christ? Are you walking with him daily?

Times will get tough from time to time. Who do you trust to guide you through it? By walking with Chirst daily and building that friendship, you gain trust. He wants to guide you through any and all situations. Will you trust where He leads?

This week, spend time daily walking with Christ. Spend time reading the Bible, praying and getting to know Christ so that trust and obedience comes second nature when both good and bad times hit.

Pray.

Jonah and the Big Fish

1. Have you ever been asked to do something you didn't want to do? What was it and how did you respond?



Read Jonah Chapters 1-3 (before you freak out, know that these chapters are very, very short)

2. What did God ask Jonah to do? What was Jonah's response?



3. Why do you think Jonah responded this way?



4. What series of events happened because Jonah didn't follow God's plan?



5. What did Jonah have to do to get out of his Pinocchio situation?



6. What was the result of Jonah going to Nineveh?



Application:

Jonah fled and read away because he didn't agree with God's gameplan. He didn't think the Ninevites deserved to be saved. The result of him fleeing lead to a tough and strange road for Jonah.

Are you fleeing from God's gameplan for your life? Do you even know God's gameplan for your life? In Matthew 6:33 and Joshua 1:8 it says that when we seek God and are obedient to Him and his plan, we will succeed. Probably not in riches and wealth, but we will succeed in life and we will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are walking down the path that God had planned for us.

So this week, seek after God and his plan for your life. Open the Bible and spend time reading and applying it to your life. Pray and ask God for wisdom and discernment for choices you have to make. Finally, be open to where God leads you.

Don't run away like Jonah, but run towards his plan. We cannot begin to understand God's plan for our life. We can only make strides every day to walk closer to Him and discover his plan one day at a time.

Pray for wisdom, discernment and direction.

In the Midst of Tragedy, where do you turn?

When you first heard about the tragedy at VA Tech, where were you and what did you think of?


Because of this tragedy, did it lead you to question God in some way?



Read John 14:6; Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:9-14

What do these verses say about who Christ is?




How do these verses encourage you about who Christ is and what he can do?




Application:

Because these statements are just part of who Christ is, we should be encouraged go before Christ in the midst of any situation, especially in situations like last Monday. He IS the Good Shepherd who wants to take care of his sheep. He IS the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. Truth life and freedom comes from resting in Him and allowing Him to guide you down the path of life.

Read 1 Peter 5:7. Take a moment and cast all your anxieties and stresses to Christ and know that He hears your prayers and desires to help you no matter what your situation or concern is.

Pray

Are you a flip flopper?

Would you say you are view favorably by others around you? I'm not talking about just your friends, but the people who know very little about you. How are you viewed by them?

Read Daniel 6

Why did the satraps and administrators try to find charges against Daniel? What did they find?



Base on these findings, what did they do?



How did Daniel respond to the new law? What happened as a result?



What happened to Daniel in the lion's den?



Why did the lions not lay a paw on him? What did the King do the next morning?



How was God glorified because of Daniel's actions?




Application:

Politicians are known to switch positions on a subject or policy based on how the public views the situation. They often flip flop on their position. Even in the midst of potential death, Daniel never flip flopped. For many, many years, Daniel was involved in the political system in Babylon. He never flip flopped on his position on God. No matter what the rules were, he always spoke God's word (see, previous posts about the dreams) and always stood firm in his faith (see Daniel 1).

Are your actions similar to Daniel or do you flip flop in your relationship with God based on how your friends view a certain event or deed? You may not even flip flop, but you might just fail to speak up and proclaim what is right in God's eyes about an event or deed. Whatever it may be, when we fail to speak up, God is not proclaimed, therefore many people are missing the opportunity to hear about the truth of God.

My challenge for all of us is to live out your faith, speak up when needed and never flip flop based on what the public says. Stay firm in your faith and you will be blessed because of it.

Pray for boldness so that you will be able to stand firm or speak up the next time you are questioned about your faith.

Honoring God

Read Daniel 5

Belshazzar is now King in Babylon (On your own, do some research as to how he became King). What was happening when this story opens up?



Belshazzar gave orders to get new vessels (glasses, goblets). Where were these vessels from? Why is it significant?



Read v. 4 again. Based on where these vessels originiated, why was Belshazzar and his party's action wrong?



What happened after this?



David was summoned to interpret the writing. What was the translation?



How did this writing on the wall come true?



Application:

The vessels were from the the house of God. However, King Belshazzar used them and praised his own gods with it. Because of this Belshazzar's reign over Babylon came to a quick end.

The question to think about is, are you honoring and praising God or defiling God with who you are or who you are becoming? God made you and created you with a purpose. We are to honor him by the way we live our life. Are you doing that?

Romans 12:1 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."

1 Corinthians 16:19-20 says, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Christ died for us - we were once lost, but He has shown us the way. Let our life represent and honor Christ for his sacrifice.

What changes can you do this week so that you will be honoring God in all you do?

Dynasties

Think of Dynasties throughtout history. They could be sport dynasties (such as the Dallas Cowboys in the early '90s), family dynasties such as the Kennedys, or Ruling Dynasties such as the Roman Empire. What made them great? What made their dynasty end?

Read Daniel 4

Verses 1-3, King Nebuchadnezzar shares about the greatness of God. How have you seen the greatness of God in your life?



King Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. What was the dream?



Daniel was once again choosen to interpret the dream. What did God reveal to Daniel what the dream meant?



According to the dream, why did the King lose his kingdom?



How did the King regain his kingdom?



Application:

God wants the best for us and promises to always provide for us. Matthew 6:25-34 talks about it. Specifically in verse 33, Jesus says, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." He desires to take care of us.

Despite God's great provision for us, we can sometimes take it for granted and begin to think that it is our ability to do things that we have been able to succeed and prosper. That is what happened to Nebuchanezzar. He lost sight of God's provision. Have you lost sight of God's provision for you?

If you have or haven't lost sight of God's provision, take a few minutes and list all the great things God has done for you and given you. Then, thank God for all the blessings.

Do not lose focus on all that God has blessed you with. He is faithful and will provide.

Don't back down!

Have you ever been asked to or have to defend your faith at your school? How did you respond? Did you speak right up, even if it was going to cost you friendships or a reputation? Or, did you keep quiet and minimize your faith?

Read Daniel 3

What did King Nebuchadnezzar do?


What did he expect all the people to do in response to this?


When the music played, what did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego do? How hard do you think it was for them to do this?


What was their reason for their response? Because of Shadrach's, Meshach's and Abednego's action, what happened to them?


Once in the fiery furnace, what happened?


What did the King do after he witnessed what was happening?


What happened to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego because of their standing firm for God?


Application:

Daniel 3:17 & 18 says that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up!"

What a remarkable statement! They stood firm for God despite the potential consequences of DEATH for not bowing down to the King's statue. Even now, people put their faith on the line all over the world with potential consequences such as these staring at them in the face.

Would you and your faith be able to stand up like what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did? The consequences for standing up in your faith and not backing down has such minor consequences for us in America, why wouldn't we stand firm for God. God provided for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - who ended up being promoted and God being glorified for their actions. Who is to say that God wouldn't protect you and provide for you because you stood firm in God.

So, the next time you have the opportunity to express your love of and faith in God, don't back down. Speak up and glorify God.

Who gets the Glory?

Did you ever take credit for something that you didn't do? What was it? Were you ever found out?


Read Daniel 2


What did King Nebuchadnezzar demand from his magicians and sorcerers?


How did the magicians and sorcerers respond?


When Daniel heard about this demand, what did he do? How did he go about interpreting the dream?


In verse 26, the King asks Daniel if he was able to know the dream and interpretation, how did Daniel respond?


When, Daniel revealed the dream and interpretation, how was he rewarded?


How was God glorified in this story?


Application

In James 1:17, it says that every good thing comes from God. What good thing has God done for you lately? Have you praised God or given him the glory for that yet?

God is good. God is faithful. God provides. He provided for Daniel and He desires to provide for you. Daniel knew that and gave the glory to God (Daniel 2:19-23, 27-28). Because of this, the King came to know God and his glory (Daniel 2:47).

Again, what has God done for you lately? How has He provided for you? Have you praised Him and given Him the glory. If not, do it now.

Pray

How Strong our Your Convictions?

What is your strongest conviction? Under what circumstance would you ever compromise that conviction, if any?


Read Daniel 1

Who was Daniel? Where was he and how did he get there?


What did Daniel want to do and why did he desire that?


What was the result of Daniel's challenge?


How did God bless him because of him standing firm in his conviction?


Daniel was a man of conviction. In v. 8, it said that, "Daniel resloved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank" (ESV). He didn't want to eat of this food probably for 1 or more of these reasons:

1. Because they ate unclean beasts, which were forbidden by the Jewish law.
2. Because they ate, as did the heathens in general, beasts which had been strangled, or not properly blooded.
3. Because the animals that were eaten were first offered as victims to their gods. (taken from "Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Old Testament")

Daniel had a strong conviction and followed through on it!

Application: What convictions do you stand by? More importantly, how strong are your godly convictions? Are they strong enough to withstand to strongest of temptations or trials. Daniel, in the midst of a new environment and change, could have gone along with the crowd and relaxed his convictions. However, he didn't and God blessed him because of it.

God will bless you when you stand up for faith and convictions. Use Daniel as an example of what can happen when we stand up for Christ and Christ in us.

Pray

Getting a 2nd Chance

When I was just out of College, my future boss asked me to housesit his home for a month while he and his family were out of town. I’ve house sat his house before, so it was a no-brainer for me to do this.

Well, the month was going along rather nicely, no real problems. Until one night, I got this great idea to throw a little mini-party at his house. Actually, mini-party is too strong of a word. It was more like a gathering of a few friends. Anyways, we were all of age so alcohol was served. Despite this, I felt that no one was out of control. As the night wrapped up, 1 person ended up sleeping over as he had a bit too much to drink and drive.

Well, in the middle of the night, I’m awaken by someone throwing up in the bathroom. So I go in there and it is my friend. I helped him clean up and such and then go back to bed – never think much about it the rest of the month and afterwards. My friend and his family returned home and I was done house siting.

Shortly after my friend got home, he called me up and was quite direct with me as he asked me, “Did you throw a party at my house while I was gone?”. I said no, but I had a few friends over, etc. Then he asked if I served alcohol and if someone threw up. At first I denied it, but then he said that as he was in that particular bathroom, he noticed throw up on one of the walls that wasn’t cleaned up.

He must have been some sort of detective back in the day because he went on to talk about how the position of the throw up to the toilet bowl was in such a position that it must have been alcohol related.

At this point, I just decided to come clean and confess this. I was so embarrassed that I violated my friend’s trust. Later, I went to his house and apologized to his wife as well. It was truly humbling and, again, a bit embarrassing. I never thought I would be allowed to house sit my friend’s house again.

Well, I was wrong. He gave me a 2nd chance. I don’t think I house sat at my friend’s house for a whole month again, but I was definitely given the opportunity to watch over his house at least once more. That next time, I was motivated not to lose that trust or to blow that 2nd opportunity.

In January, we have been talking a lot about sex. Mainly, we have been talking about how to abstain from sexual activity and the importance of abstaining.

However, what if you have already gone too far? What if you haven’t waited til marriage? Are you condemned to hell or is there an opportunity for a 2nd chance? Can you, if you want too, begin anew?

Today, we are going to talk about 2nd chances and how you can start over, from this moment on.

Scripture

Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
1. Why is there no condemnation?

Because Christ died for our sins. We are free from all our past struggles and mess ups because of what Christ did on the Cross. Not only are you free from sin, but in Christ, there is another benefit.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!"
1. What does it mean to be “in Christ”?
2. What is the benefit of being “in Christ”?
3. What does that mean?

You can begin anew in Christ! The old person that we used to be and the old things that we used to do – whether it is in regards to sex, living a reckless lifestyle, or just simplying living a life without God – is gone. It has taken a permanent hiatus. When that old person leaves, Christ in you, creates a whole new being.

Too often, when we mess up – whether it is with sex or any other kind of sinful deed – we are made to feel like the worst person on earth and that you are a terrible person. However, no matter what you have done in the past, it is forgiven as Christ died on the cross for each and every one of us. Again, NO MATTER WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, Christ has forgiven you.

Application

So, we are free in Christ and our past mess ups are behind us. However, to fully grasp hold of this forgiveness and freedom, we have to take a role. We have to take action.

You see, God has freely given you forgiveness and a new found life, but unless you take hold of it and turn to God for guidance and direction, you will just find yourself back in the same mess you’ve been in times before.

Matthew 6:33 – "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Why do we need to seek God?

Proverbs 2:7-11 – “He hold victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.”

1. Who holds the victory?
2. What will happen when you walk with God?

When you begin a relationship with God, you are a new creation and you will walk with wisdom and be able to make right decisions.

For those of you who have already walked down the path in sexual activity, you can choose to start over and begin anew. You can choose to save the rest of your life for you future spouse. To help you do that, you can choose to begin that relationship with Christ so that He will help you walk with wisdom and be able to fend off temptation. If you already have a relationships with Christ, you can choose to now start following seeking his wisdom.

Actually, this is bigger than just the sex issue. If you want a 2nd chance at life, a new beginning and a fresh start, turn your life over to Christ. He wants to help you walk down the path to true life and fulfillment. Not the life we think leads to fulfillment by doing this and that, but the life that leads to true fulfillment. Remember, Christ said, “I have come to give you life to the full”

Will you take it or will you continue to walk down this path that leads to death?

The choice is yours, but know that God is always there, desiring to walk through life with you, helping you along the way.

Remember, when you begin a relationship with Christ, the old person you once were is no longer. You are a new creation living a life full of potential. It won’t matter what you did in the past. It only matters what a great and new life you have to look forward to for the future with God as your guide.

Pray

God's design for Sex

In case you haven’t heard, Apple – the maker of the iPod, released an iPhone this month. This phone looks awesome and has tons of cool gadgets (goto www.apple.com to look at it). Not only is it an iPod and a phone, but you can also check your email, browse the web and it has an awesome camera. I was so pumped, then I realized that it is only being offered with Cingular for a few years. I have Verizon.

Well, since I couldn’t use the iPhone for a while, I figured that I could use my phone as kind of an iPhone. Then I looked at my phone and realized I couldn’t do half the things with it that I could do with an iPhone. I couldn’t browse the web the same, easy way. I couldn’t listen to songs like I could if I had an iPhone. I can even check my email. Dang, I began to wonder what good is this thing?!?

Then I realized, I can’t use this phone as an iPhone because it wasn’t designed to do the functions that an iPhone can. The purpose of my phone is to make calls, text message people and take some silly pictures. The purpose of an iPhone is to enable you to combine all your multi-media capabilities into one gadget.

In the same way, sex was designed by God for a specific intent. He created it with a specific goal in mind.

So, right now, I want to examine what that purpose is for and how we can benefit from it.

Scripture

What is God’s plan for sex?

Genesis 1:28 – “God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the seas and the births of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Mark 10:6-9 – “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

What do these verses say about God’s design for sex?

That sex is designed for procreation and it is for a man and woman in marriage. It says to be fruitful and multiply and that the two will become one; that the man will be united with his wife.
If you think it is unclear how God feels about sex being in the context of marriage only, I believe that it is even more telling how God feels about sex by looking what is not accepted.
• Galatians 5:19, 21 – “The acts of sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;…and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God”
• Matthew 5:27-28 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with his in his heart.”

What is being said here?

That acts like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, adultery and orgies are not accepted behavior and you won’t inherit the kingdom of God if you are doing those things.

Why are these things no apart of God’s plan for sex?

Because they are not in the context of marriage – of a husband and wife being together.

God designed sex to be great and wonderful – but in the context of marriage. It isn’t because he doesn’t want you to have fun and experience this great and wonderful thing. It is because you will benefit most and suffer the least when you have sex based on God’s design.

Application

When we have sex as part of God’s design/plan, how do we benefit?
• You experience true intimacy – true oneness with your spouse
• You live a life without regret. You don’t have to feel sorry about what you did with other boyfriends or girlfriends.

When we have sex apart from God’s design/plan, how do we suffer?
• Loss of trust and intimacy with your spouse
• Not to mention that you have to worry about the things we talked about last week – pregnancies and STDs

God’s design and benefits are clear. We must strive to abstain from sex until we are married.

When we do this, we honor ourselves, our significant other and God. Remember what I said last week, sex doesn’t = love. Sex is an act of intimacy with our spouse, not an act of lust.

You can show love in so many ways. My couples small group that Pedro and I are involved in are reading a book called “the 5 Love Languages”. In it are 5 ways that people receive and give love. They are:
1. Words of Affirmation
2. Quality Time
3. Receiving Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical Touch

Sex is apart of the Physical Touch category. However, so is a hug, holding hands, or a kiss –just to name a few. You can express physical touch without having sex. In fact, the author makes it clear that the physical touch of sex is for marriage only.

But look at the other ways you can express love to someone.

Instead of having premarital sex, why not show love by spending quality time together – go do something fun in which it is just the 2 of you hanging out. Go buy your “significant other” a nice gift or do something really nice for them unexpected.

These are all ways you can express love to the person you are dating. You don’t need to have sex with them to show them love.

So, based on God’s design for sex, what can you take away from this message? Where is the application?

In the business world, there is a phrase, “Think outside the box”. Thinking outside the box is a cliché used to refer to looking at a problem from a new perspective without preconceptions.

That is what I want you all to do. I want you to think outside the box in regards to premarital sex. Obviously, God’s design for sex is in the context of marriage. However, everyone else is telling you to have as much sex as you want. Everything you watch or listen to is telling you that sex is a natural part of a loving relationship. Since we know that not to be true, we have to think outside the box.

This week, I want you to think of ways that you can express love to your significant other without having sex with them. Make a list – whether you are dating someone now or not, you can still do this activity. Remember, words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts and acts of service are all ways you can express love to someone.

Let’s think outside the box for this. You love life will benefit from it.

Pray

Debunking Myths about Sex

Opening Questions

There certain words that once you say these words, you get an immediate reaction – people have a strong reaction to – either good or bad. For instance, when I say President Bush, what do you say? When I say Dallas Cowboys what comes to mind? Lastly, when I say "High School Musical", what do you say?

See, these are all words that you all had a strong opinion about.

What about the word sex? What do you think of?

This month we are going to talk about sex. More specifically, we are going to talk about drawing the lines – how far is too far, what if you have gone too far already – where do you go now, and about God’s plan for sex – what his design for it is.

Today, however, we are going to talk about myths about sex. I’m going to be the myth buster about some of the things you have heard or just assume about sex.

As I have said before, everyday you all make decisions that will dramatically impact your life. Whether you have sex or not is one of those very important decisions. So, today, I want to make sure that you all have the facts about sex and some of the things you have heard or assumed about sex.

Scripture

So, let’s get right into it.

Myth #1: Everyone is having Sex
• Now, there are plenty of people having sex – an alarming number of people actually.
• But it isn’t everyone – you aren’t alone if you haven’t.
• I didn’t and I know plenty of others who didn’t and won’t until they are married
• The key is to find others who aren’t and encourage each other to abstain
• When you have friends helping you, reaffirming your reasons and desire to abstain, then it makes abstaining easier
• And, it makes you feel like you aren’t alone. Trust me, you aren’t alone.


Myth #2: Sex is a natural part of a loving relationship
• Who said this? Seth and Summer from “the OC”? MTV? I remember a 90210 episode where Brenda was freaking out about Prom because she knew she was going to have to have sex with Dylan. What? Where does it say that in the prom handbook?
• Just because you have been dating for a month, 6 months or even longer, that means you have to have sex? WRONG!
• My relationship with Anne, before marriage, never involved sex. Yet, we still got married – imagine that. We had tons of fun together, realized that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together and got married. Did sex ever come up – no, because Anne and I both knew that we wanted our wedding night to be special for each other. We respected each other enough to wait for that night and the rest of our lives.
• Even before Anne, I dated a variety of people. Never once was sex an issue.
• Why? Because sex doesn’t equal love. 1 Corinthians 13 is a whole chapter on love.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
o What are some characteristics of love here? Patient, kind, doesn’t envy, doesn’t boast, isn’t proud, rude or self-seeking. Love protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. It never fails
o It says things like, Love is patient, love is kind. Does it say love is sex? No, It doesn’t.

Sex = intimacy. It doesn’t = love.

Now, just because Seth and Summer have sex regularly enough on “the OC” doesn’t mean that their relationship will last any longer than a relationship that doesn’t involve sex.

In fact, sex in a relationship probably complicates matters more and make relationships not last. Then, you have to worry about pregnancies, STDs, AIDS.

That leads perfectly into Myth #3

Myth #3: Sex makes life better

I’m sure every guy thinks this – I know I did. If I could have sex, just once – my life would be so much better.

• Do STDs/AIDs make life better?
• Do teenage pregnancies make life better?
• Does guilt and regret make life better?
• Does the emotional let down make life better when you break up with your guy or girl?
• Does trying to restore a reputation make life better? As you know, once you have been labeled as something, it is hard to change that label. Look at me, everyone things I go to bed early every night – 8 or 9 o’clock. When in reality, I go to bed between 10 & 11 every night.

The Truth is that sex makes life more difficult. You have to worry about STDs, pregnancies, guilt and restoring a lost reputation, if you don’t wait until marriage.

Myth #4: God doesn’t want you to enjoy life, so you can’t have sex

The truth is that God created sex. He created Eve to be Adam’s companion and to procreate. To procreated, you need to have sexual relations. So, God created sex and all that he has created is good (ref. Genesis 1). If God didn’t want you to have sex, he would have figure out a different way for us to procreate.

God wants you to have sex in the right context – in the context of marriage.

Now, we aren’t going to get much into this, as we will be talking about it next week, but, in the right context, Sex is great. That context is marriage. In the wrong context, sex should be refrained from – that is sex outside of marriage. Whether it is premarital sex or an affair, those sexual relations should be refrained from.

But the idea that God doesn’t want you to enjoy life so he is taking away sex is wrong. He created it and he wants you to enjoy it – as long as it is in the right context.

Application

As I close, a verse comes to mind.

1 Corinthians 10:23 – "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.

You may think that sex is permissible – that it is ok because you see so many others doing it. The problem though, is that, in a premarital or extramarital situation, it isn’t beneficial or constructive:
• The fear of STDs, AIDS, pregnancies, wrecked relationships, emotional damage when you and the one you had sex with break up – you gave away something special.

The question is, where are you getting your information about sex from? Where are you learning about it? From movies like American Pie or TV show like the OC? Even though we know that these movies and TV shows are not real, the sad thing is that they are implying that in the “real world” these things happen all the time – premarital sex, sex with teachers, sex with your friends parents. The list can go on and on.

Unfortunately for us, we are constantly being exposed to these kinds of lies I just outlined as we watch tons of movies, see lots of shows and listen to a lot of music.

I want to caution you that just because you saw it in the movies or on TV, or just because you heard it on the radio, doesn’t mean that it is right.

You have to clothe yourself with the truth about sex. Not because I don’t want you to have fun or God is against you, but because when you start having sex now, you are changed forever.

The good news, though, is that God has a plan – he has a perfect design for sex. As I said before, God created it, and next week we are going to look in depth at what God’s design for sex is and how we can full experience all the greatness of sex.

But my challenge for you all this week is to go home and open up the Bible and see what God’s plan is. If you have a Bible, go and look up sex and sexuality in the Bible of the Bible (either in the dictionary or in the concordance). If you don’t have a Bible, go online, type in NIV online bible. Once you go to that, search sex and see what verses come up.

Go home, find out what God’s plan is and come back next week as we go into it further. In fact, bring a friend next week and the rest of January because we are talking about sex.

Pray

Prison Break

Around this time of year, people talk about resolutions and how they are going to change their life for the better. It makes sense, new year, new desire to perform better.

Wouldn’t it be cool, though, if people made resolutions to be worse off. “This year, I’m going to strive to fail all my classes” or “This year, I hope I can get fired so I can spend more time with my pet turtle” or even “This year, I’m going to gain 100 pounds”

Just kidding, but seriously, that wouldn’t be very good to strive to be worse off. It’s good to set goals and standards to better yourself. However, we won’t be talking about that today. Strive to better yourselves on your own time. This morning, we are going to talk about an opportunity for a prison break. That’s right, forget this God thing, I’m going to talk about breaking out of prison. Again, just kidding. But seriously, there is a direct correlation between God and breaking out of prison. What is that correlation?

To get to that correlation, I’m curious:
• What person comes to mind when you think of the word freedom? Why?
• When you think of a person in prison, what do you think of? Try to be appropriate.
• Can you be free and still be a prisoner? If so, how?

I believe that we are all prisoners to something in our life – we are held captive by someone, some thing in our lives. This morning, we are going to examine what we are held captive by and who can save us from this prison.

Scripture

Before I get to read my 1st selection, I want to clarify 2 terms that you will hear me say. When it talks about “perishable”, it is talking about our “earthly bodies”. When it talks about “imperishable”, it is talking about our “heavenly bodies”

Read 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
1. Where does death get its power?
2. Who gives us victory?
3. How did he give us victory?

Death gets its power from sin. Death wants to consume and utterly destroy us. Makes sense sin gives power to death = destruction. However, Christ, through his death and resurrection, conquered and was victorious versus death.

In Christ, we have victory. Whatever ties us down and holds us captive can be conquered through Christ.

This section also leaves us with a challenge: To stand firm, let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord for you know that your work in the Lord is not in vain.

If we want to completely conquer the things that hold us captive in our lives, we have to stand firm and not be moved. We have to commit to Christ for He will help us.

Once we commit to Christ and stand firm against the things that hold us captive we can have freedom and victory that leads to life to the full.

John 10:10 – Christ once said, “The thief comes only to seal and kill and destroy, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”.

Christ has come to give us life to the full. Death comes to destroy, Christ comes to be victorious.

What does a full life consist of? (Let students answer)

A full life consists of peace and certainty of direction in life. It’s the knowledge that God is providing for you – meeting your needs as you move in confidence in life.

Application

So, in Christ there is victory against all things and a full life.

Scott Stapp used to be the front man of a band called “Creed” until he moronically decided to go solo – not a sermon, just a thought. However, when he was with Creed, he wrote a song called “My Own Prison”.

He said, “I wrote this song at a time in my life when I realized that I could not continue to blame others for why I was in the situations I had placed myself in. I was blaming my parents, God, and anyone I could find, when really the only blame rested with me. Hence the phrase, ‘I’ve created my own prison.”

I’m going to play that song right now and, as this song plays, I want you to think through your life. Are you a prisoner of things in your life? If so, how do you get out? How do you escape?

Play “My Own Prison” by Creed (4:58)

We have created our own prisons. We did this – not our parents, not God, not our friends. Whether you are tied down by bitterness, anger, pain, a friend, a boy/girlfriend, jealousy, drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, we have created our own prisons. What is your prison?

We are held captive and can’t get out, even if we wanted to. However, Christ, by dying on the cross, allowed us to break out of that prison, that bondage.

We don’t have to be tied down anymore. We can be victorious through Christ. “But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

The victory is in Jesus Christ. The question that remains is, will you allow Christ to be victorious in your life. Will you let him free you from your own prison? Or will you continue to be tied down?

When I let my own prison control my life, I’m a wreck. I may look like I have it all together on the outside, but on the inside, I am a time bomb, waiting to explode. It is only when I allow God to be victorious in my life that I realize that I don’t have to be died down or captive any longer. I can have freedom…real freedom.

Again, will you allow Christ to be victorious in your life or will you continue to be held captive in your own prison? The choice is yours. No one else’s.

This New Year let us throw out the resolutions and latch on to freedom and victory found only in Christ.

Pray